Indicators of Sensory Processing Disorder

Indicators of Hypersensitivity (Over-reactive)

Sound

• hides or runs away from common sounds like the sound of the vacuum cleaner

• extreme response to or fear of sudden, high-pitched, loud, or metallic noises (flushing toilets, clanking silverware, etc.)

• is hard to settle during or after noisy activities or birthday parties.

• covers ears frequently

• easily startled by sudden noises

• may notice or be distracted by background noises that others don’t seem to hear

• seeks out quiet spots in noisy, crowded environments

• seems fearful of crowds

Sight

• avoids brightly lit places

• avoids looking at faces or busy spaces like walls with a lot of pictures

• prefers dull-coloured clothes or food

• covers eyes frequently

Smell and taste

• walks away from strong smells like perfume or eats only bland foods

• has a strong reaction to the texture or smell of certain foods

• picky food preferences or gagging when eating foods of certain textures

• refuses to try new foods and has a very limited diet of preferred foods

Touch

• avoids messy play

• rubs hands or fingers or holds them tightly together after touching everyday objects

• refuses to wear clothes like socks with seams on the toes

• refuses to wear itchy or otherwise uncomfortable clothing

• fearful of surprise touches

• avoids hugs and cuddling even with familiar adults

• doesn’t enjoy a game of tag

• feeling that soft touches are too hard

• a low pain threshold

• avoids standing in close proximity to others

Movement or body position

• avoids playground equipment like swings or monkey bars

• gets upset or feels unwell in cars or on public transport.

• has poor balance and may fall often

• appears clumsy

• extremely fearful of climbing or falling, even when there is no real danger

Other internal sensations

• is upset by changes in temperature

• avoids having a bath or swimming

• avoids going to the toilet because they don’t like the feeling

• is hard to settle after a minor cut or scrape

• difficulty controlling their emotions

• difficulty focusing attention

• difficulty adapting responses

• gets upset about small changes in routine or environment and avoids trying new things